Pertinace, Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy) 2018

 Made from sites in the communes of Treiso and Barbaresco, this is a very successful 2018 that shows delicate floral aromas and scents of red fruits recalling raspberries and red currants.  Although it is only medium-bodied and is quite light in color, it shows Nebbiolo’s sneaky power as the ripe, slightly sweet fruit notes slide from the mid-palate into the finish, where tannic grip kicks in.  However, wood notes are barely evident, and if paired with food containing a bit of dietary fat to buffer the tannins, this could already prove quite enjoyable.  It will improve for another 5 years, softening even as it develops additional complexity from time in bottle.